1978
Chance, a simple-minded gardener, is forced to leave the only home he's ever known after his wealthy employer dies, leaving him without an identity or means. After being hit by a limousine, Chance is taken in by Eve Rand, the wife of powerful industrialist Benjamin Rand, who, along with her husband, misinterprets Chance's literal, television-influenced speech as profound wisdom. Chance's simple gardening metaphors are mistaken for deep political insights by Benjamin Rand, the President of the United States, and other influential figures, leading to his rapid ascent in high society and political circles. Despite investigations into his past revealing no record of his existence, Chance's enigmatic persona and perceived wisdom make him a leading candidate for Vice President, culminating in him walking on water at Benjamin Rand's funeral, symbolizing his unwitting transcendence and the superficiality of those around him.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Being There follows simple gardener Chance as he is thrust from his routine into the elite world of the Rands and ultimately becomes a political idol.
Open full beat sheetChance is listed as Protagonist. A simple-minded, middle-aged man who has lived his entire life as a gardener in a townhouse, possessing no formal education or identity, but appearing profound to others due to his literal, television-influenced speech. In the parsed data, Chance is connected to 36 scenes, 26 dialogue lines, 30 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
36 scenes / 26 dialogue linesEve Rand is listed as Socialite. The wife of Benjamin Rand, a traditional lady who becomes infatuated with Chance. In the parsed data, Eve Rand is connected to 17 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
17 scenes / 12 dialogue linesDr. Robert Allenby is listed as Physician. The Rand family doctor who treats both Benjamin Rand and Chance. In the parsed data, Dr. Robert Allenby is connected to 11 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
11 scenes / 6 dialogue linesBenjamin Rand is listed as Wealthy Industrialist. A dying, extremely wealthy man who becomes a mentor and admirer of Chance. In the parsed data, Benjamin Rand is connected to 9 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
9 scenes / 9 dialogue linesLouise is listed as Maid. An elderly black maid who works at the townhouse and is one of the few people who knows Chance's true nature. In the parsed data, Louise is connected to 9 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
9 scenes / 3 dialogue linesThe President is listed as President of the United States. The leader of the country who interprets Chance's simple gardening metaphors as profound political wisdom. In the parsed data, The President is connected to 5 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.
5 scenes / 3 dialogue linesThomas Franklin is listed as Attorney. An attorney handling the estate of the Old Man. In the parsed data, Thomas Franklin is connected to 3 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.
3 scenes / 1 dialogue linesSally Hayes is listed as Attorney. A young, modern attorney working with Thomas Franklin. In the parsed data, Sally Hayes is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 9.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesAmbassador Vladimar Skrapinov is listed as Soviet Ambassador. A Soviet diplomat who believes Chance is a powerful political strategist. In the parsed data, Ambassador Vladimar Skrapinov is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 37.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesSophie Rowley is listed as Socialite. A wealthy widow who hosts high-society events. In the parsed data, Sophie Rowley is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 37.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesChance works in the garden, checks his watch, and prepares to head inside.
ChanceChance covers the touring car and leaves the garage.
ChanceChance watches television while cleaning his tools.
ChanceChance relaxes in his room, watching television and changing clothes.
ChanceChance eats dinner while watching TV; Louise informs him the Old Man is failing.
Chance, LouiseLouise tells Chance that the Old Man has died.
Chance, LouiseChance visits the deceased Old Man's room.
ChanceLouise says goodbye to Chance.
Chance, LouiseChance watches TV while waiting for lunch; Thomas Franklin and Sally Hayes arrive.
Chance, Thomas Franklin, Sally HayesChance shows the attorneys the garden and the garage.
Chance, Thomas Franklin, Sally HayesThe attorneys inform Chance he must leave the house.
Chance, Thomas Franklin, Sally HayesChance encounters a gang of youths.
ChanceChance is struck by a limousine and meets Eve Rand.
Chance, Eve RandChance and Eve travel to the Rand estate.
Chance, Eve RandChance arrives at the Rand mansion.
Chance, Eve RandWilson wheels Chance into the mansion; Eve greets Greta and tells Wilson she will be with Mr. Rand.
Chance, Louise, Eve RandWilson takes Chance up in the elevator; Chance is confused by the small space and asks about a television.
Chance, LouiseEve visits Benjamin Rand; they discuss Chance and Rand decides to invite him to dinner.
Eve Rand, Benjamin RandDr. Allenby treats Chance's leg and questions him about his legal intentions.
Chance, Dr. Robert AllenbyEve and Allenby discuss Chance and Benjamin Rand's declining health.
Eve Rand, Dr. Robert AllenbyRand meets Chance; they discuss Rand's illness and wealth.
Chance, Louise, Benjamin RandDinner with Rand, Eve, Allenby, and Chance; Chance uses gardening metaphors to describe his life.
Chance, Eve Rand, Benjamin Rand, Dr. Robert AllenbyRand discusses his financial assistance program with Chance.
Chance, Benjamin Rand, Dr. Robert AllenbyEve and Chance share a brief, poignant conversation before she retires.
Chance, Louise, Eve RandChance walks the grounds; Allenby finds him and insists he use the wheelchair.
Chance, Louise, Dr. Robert AllenbyRand prepares for the President's visit and talks to Chance about death.
Chance, Benjamin RandThe President meets Rand and Chance; Chance uses a gardening metaphor to advise the President.
Chance, Benjamin Rand, The PresidentRand walks with Chance, discussing his potential role in the financial assistance program while expressing his admiration for Chance's directness.
Benjamin Rand, ChanceEve approaches Chance in the garden to discuss his meeting with the President and his past.
Chance, Eve RandRand, Eve, Chance, and Allenby watch the President's address on TV, where the President quotes Chance.
Benjamin Rand, Eve Rand, Chance, Dr. Robert AllenbyEve and Chance wait for news on Rand; Mrs. Aubrey informs Chance of a call from the Washington Post.
Eve Rand, Chance, Dr. Robert AllenbyChance speaks with Sid Courtney on the phone.
ChanceChance and Eve discuss their relationship while Chance eats breakfast and watches TV. Maggie arrives to alter a tuxedo.
Chance, Louise, Eve RandDr. Allenby calls Thomas Franklin to discuss Chance.
Dr. Robert AllenbyRand is in deep thought while nurses work.
Benjamin RandChance and Eve arrive at Sophie's party and face the press.
Chance, Eve RandChance and Eve enter the reception and meet various dignitaries.
Chance, Eve Rand, Ambassador Vladimar Skrapinov, Sophie RowleyThe President receives a report about the investigation into Chance.
The PresidentA group of powerful businessmen discuss the political potential of Chauncey Gardiner as a candidate.
The PresidentChance walks through the woods.
ChanceEve and Allenby speak with the President and First Lady after the funeral.
Eve Rand, Dr. Robert Allenby, The PresidentChance tends to a seedling in the woods.
ChanceEve and Allenby discuss their concern for Chance.
Eve Rand, Dr. Robert AllenbyEve and Allenby find Chance walking near the road.
Chance, Eve Rand, Dr. Robert AllenbySo I've been thinking about beginning a financial assistance program, Chauncey, to help out American businessmen that have been harassed by inflation, excessive taxation, unions and other indecencies...
A rather large contusion, but I don't feel there is any serious damage. I'd like to keep an eye on him, though - I suggested that he stay here for a couple of days.
That is correct. In a garden, growth has its season. There is spring and summer, but there is also fall and winter. And then spring and summer again...
As long as the roots of industry remain firmly planted in the national soil, the economic prospects are undoubtedly sunny.
Oh, Chauncey, darling... Where have you been? We thought we'd lost you - we've been looking all over!
I know exactly what you mean. Today the businessman is at the mercy of kid-lawyers from the SEC.
We have to find him, Robert - he could be lost, something may have happened, we can't leave him!
I want us... You and I to become... close... I want us to become very close, you know...?
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